Ok, I know. It's been ages! I have no excuse only an apology. I'm so sorry it's taken me so long. Starting to struggle a bit so the next chapter may take a while. I know what's going to happen but it's just writing it down to make it exciting that's the challenge so please bear with me.

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Chapter 23: Making Up

Ana was released the next afternoon with orders to take it easy. Baby Mia was fine and Ana felt her moving around, bringing a smile and tears to her eyes. Christian refused to leave her alone for a minute and Phoebe refused to be in the same room for a minute. Ana had really hurt her daughter yesterday and Phoebe needed time to think about what was said. Flynn said it was just the pain and fear talking but Phoebe believed her mother had a point to what she said.

It took five days before mother and daughter sat in the same room together on their own. Ana was curled up on the couch reading Tess of the d'Urbervilles, rubbing her stomach when Phoebe entered.

"Hi mom," she said. Ana looked up from her book and smiled.

"Hi Phoebe. Are you ok?" Phoebe just nodded and sat next to her mother. "What's up Cupcake?"

"Nothing much. Just wanted to see how you were. And to apologise for the last few days. I realise I've been immature and I feel bad," Phoebe answered honestly.

"I said some hurtful things, Phoebe. I should be the one apologising."

"You didn't tell me anything that I don't already know. It is true I didn't want another brother or sister but I've been trying to get over it. I'm actually happy now especially as I'm getting a little sister." Ana smiled and wrapped her arm around Phoebe.

"I'm glad. I thought you hated me after what I said."

"I don't hate you mom. It just hurt to hear those things and I needed some time to accept that. I know you were upset and stressed because of the thought of losing the baby."

"So does this mean you forgive me for what I said?" Ana smiled hopefully.

"Of course I forgive you, mom. I love you," Phoebe wrapped her arms around her mother and allowed her to return the favour.

Christian smiled at his wife and daughter from the doorway and slipped away before either of them saw him and headed back to his study. He thought he'd check on Ana before his next conference call but when he saw her and Phoebe talking he thought he'd leave them be.

He sat down at his desk and booked the tickets for the concert Phoebe had asked to go to with Kenny, Ava and a few friends. He had agreed as long as security goes with them and because Ava and Kenny were going. This meant that she was going to be out late but he had decided he would stay up late to see her when she arrives home. The concert was tonight and was apparently sold out but Christian money and influence he managed to get Phoebe, Kenny and Ava tickets with the best seats and backstage passes. He couldn't get backstage passes for all their friends but he was able to get those three. Phoebe would be so pleased. He was about to go and tell her he got the tickets when his phone rang.

"Grey," he answered.

"Sir, we have that information on Mrs Loggins' case." It was Welch. After Phoebe told Christian about Kenny's trouble with his mother Christian decided to do a little digging into the situation. It turns out that there isn't any hard evidence to keep her locked up and the case has been reopened. She's still being held in England holding cells until the new trial and Kenny and his father would have to back to tell the courts their side of the story again but luckily they didn't have to go back for a few more months.

"Thanks Welch," Christian said hanging up the phone. At least Phoebe won't get hurt or involved in their troubles. He makes his way to the lounge and tells Phoebe about the tickets and backstage passes. Phoebe squeals happily and jumps up, wrapping her arms around him.

"Thank you thank you thank you, daddy!" she says. Ana smiles at her husband and daughter.

"Why don't you ring Kenny and Ava and tell them the good news?" Christian suggests, sitting next to his wife and placing a hand on her baby bump. Phoebe nods and runs upstairs to get her phone. "How are you Mrs Grey?" he asks.

"I'm good thanks. Mia's calmed down a bit now so I think we'll both be alright."

"You're not going back to work." He states, knowing where she was trying to take the conversation. She tries to argue but he doesn't listen. "Ana, the elevator is still broken, you fell down the stairs, you're on bed rest. Do not argue with me because I will win. You are not going back to work, you are staying here where you can rest. If you to work so badly I'll get Hannah to e-mail over some manuscripts that you can read. Other than that, you're not working." Ana sighs and leans into his, placing her head on his shoulder.

"No need to go all dominant on me." He laughs. She smiles and joins in with his laughter.

"You will be the death of me, Mrs Grey," he says kissing her.

... ... ...

Phoebe POV

"You've got to be joking! This concert has been sold out for weeks! That's why I nearly got the tickets off Matt." Ava says not believing me.

"Well, you know my dad, Ava. He can get stuff but that's not the best bit!" I say excitedly.

"What's the best bit? We're being picked up in a limo?" She asks. Despite being born into money, Ava gets really excited if we get to go in a limousine.

"No even better than a limo. Dad managed to get up backstage passes!"

"HE WHAT?!" She screeches. "Oh my God, I love your dad right now!"

"Matt changing his mind about giving us the tickets is sounding brilliant now isn't it?"

"Hell yeah! He can shove those crap tickets up his arse. Backstage passes?"

"Yep!" I don't think I've ever heard my cousin be so happy. We'll get to spend most of the concert with Dave, Deana and Taylor but at the end we will be separated as Kenny, Ava and I will get to go backstage. I'm so excited and call Kenny as soon as I hang up with Ava. He sounds excited too but not as squealy as Ava. Things have been better between us since he told me what was going on. I'm just glad he trusts me enough to tell me about his mom.

He told me he doesn't actually have to travel back to England for another few months and hopefully it won't take long for it to be over. And if he and Dr Loggins are really lucky they may not have to go back at all as their lawyer is convinced they still have a strong case. Grandpa has even offered to help them out if they need it.

I go back downstairs to find mum and dad curled up on the sofa together talking. It's my birthday next week and I know dads organising a party for me. I can't believe it, I'm going to be eighteen in six days. They're talking about who should be invited and what food there should be. How big should my cake be (chocolate of course) and what gift should I get. I walk in as I don't want to have the surprise ruined. I sit next to mum and hug her, reassuring her that I'm not angry and that she's forgiven. She was angry and scared after all.

"Hey, Cupcake. We're just discussing your birthday. Is there anything in particular you want at the party?" she asks.

"Erm... Can't think of anything right now. Oh, can we see if Sophie can come?" I ask.

Sophie is Taylor's twenty-six year old daughter who has recently moved back to Seattle after her husband got relocated here and is now working for dad's company. She often babysat Ted, Nick and I in her teenage years to give mum and dad a break. She occasionally looked after James as well but he often went to grandma and grandpas because he was so young. Of course mum and dad insisted on paying her for her help but we just loved hanging out with her so she tried to decline. For the last seven or eight years though she hasn't been around because she's been in college and then she married and stayed east. We went to the wedding but we hardly see her and her job prevented her from coming over for our birthdays. I only ask if she can come now that she's back in Seattle and there is a chance she can make it.

"We've sent her an invite and told Taylor but we haven't got a reply yet. Don't get your hopes up just in case she is working though." Dad says. I nod in understanding. I know how busy she can be. "Is there anything you want for your birthday? New clothes? Jewellery?"

"I don't know dad. It's really hard to choose what gifts I want when we practically have everything we want. And you won't let me get a car."

"Phoebe, you don't need a car right now. Let's get your school work and college choices out of the way before we start thinking about you driving."

"You let Ted drive even though he's still in school."

"Teddy's older," he says as an explanation. Ted hasn't even gone to college yet and he gets a car. Not that he drives anywhere but still. I suppose dad's gonna start an argument when he finds out I don't want to go to college straight away. I want to go travelling and see parts of the world I've never seen, which is surprisingly a lot when considering how much my family travel. I decide to leave that conversation for another time, maybe talk to mum first so she can help me predict his reaction.

I just shrug and let the car conversation stop.

"So are you looking forward to tonight?" Mum asks. I smile and nod enthusiastically. "Good. Is Ava excited?"

"Of course. She started squealing before I mention backstage passes. And Kenny couldn't believe it." I laugh.

"Let me guess, she asked about a limo?" dad asks knowing what his niece is like. I just nod. He shakes his head laughing. "Honestly, the way she goes on about limo's you wouldn't believe she has grown up with money going to every event in one." Dad has a point there. However anything fashion, designer stuff and everything else about Ava you would know she came from money. Unlike me where I'm not overly fussed about it all. I have my family and that's all I need.

"So are you two excited for your holiday in a couple of weeks?" They look at each other.

"It was a lovely idea but we're not too sure." Mum answers. I look at them confused.

"We don't know if we want to leave you kids alone for two weeks." Dad clarifies.

"We won't be alone. We'll be staying with Grandma and Grandpa and I'll spend a couple of nights round Ava's." I say. I don't want them to miss out on their last possible holiday alone before the baby's born.

"It's not just that. What if something happens with your mother?" Dad asks.

"There'll be doctors where you're going dad. And if you won't listen to me and go I'll tell grandma and she'll practically throw you on the plane telling you not to come back for two weeks." Dad laughs because he knows I'm right. Especially now that she knows mums pregnant grandma wants them to take this holiday so they can have some alone time before catering to the every need of a baby again.

"Are you sure that you will all be alright though?" mum asks.

"Mum if we weren't we'd ring you but I think we'll all be fine. We have grandma, grandpa, Aunt Mia, Aunt Kate and Uncle Elliot. Stop worrying." I know they both, especially dad, still worry about me over what happened three months ago.

I do understand why they are nervous about it though. I often still get nightmares and sometimes I still can't be alone, especially at night. In fact two nights ago dad had to hold me while I recovered from a nightmare and fall asleep again. When I woke up he was still there hugging me tightly, still sitting upright on my bed, resting his head on mine sleeping. And last week I had to leave my bedroom door open because I was scared it was going to lock with me in my room. Last night I even sneaked out to the garden and slept on the patio, let's just say dad was not calm this morning when he couldn't find me. But at least he wasn't as bad as the time I snuck into our pool house and slept next the swimming pool.

"Phoebe, I'm just worrying because last night you slept in the garden. I don't want you to feel like I'm not here when you need me."

"Dad, you're always here. And it's only for two weeks. Besides if anything severe does happen Grandma will call you."

"Christian, if I were you I'd drop it. She won't give up," mum said. I laugh but dad looks unsure.

"Ok lets compromise. We'll see how you are over the next two weeks, before we go, and if you're ok we'll go. If not, we stay. Or I send your mother with Kate for spa days and what not and I stay."

"Fine, but you're going." We shake hands to show our agreement. That's something we've always done when we make a deal. I guess that's what you get when your dad is a businessman. I look at the clock and realise I should get some stuff together for tonight as Ava and Kenny will be here soon.

... ... ...

Christian POV

I'm glad Phoebe and Ana have made up. I could see what them not talking was doing to them but I was powerless to stop it. Women are funny creatures.

Phoebe has gone to that concert with Ava and Kenny and I'm curled up on the sofa in the family room with my beautiful sexy wife. Ted, Nick and James were out for sleepovers with their friends and Ashley was in bed with a tummy ache.

"How are you Mrs Grey?" I ask. She leans in closer and groans contently.

"I'm well, thank you. How are you?"

"I'm perfectly happy. You are so beautiful." She giggles and that makes me laugh.

"You didn't tell Phoebe the truth about Sophie," she states knowing that there is no chance our daughter can overhear us.

"You're right. I want it to be a surprise."

"You are a sneaky man Mr Grey. For someone who doesn't like surprises, you sure provide a lot of them."

"I don't like people surprising me. As you know my control issues mean I need to know what is going on at all times. Why do you think I was so angry about the elevator?" She sighs and sits up to look me in the eye.

"I have said I'm sorry. Mia is fine and I've been taking it easy. Not that I have much of a choice."

"No you don't. I hate seeing you in that kind of pain and the thought of losing our baby was too much to bear. I would have spanked you if I didn't think that pain was already too much." I look her in the eye so she knows I'm not joking. To my surprise she smiles seductively.

"Why don't you?" Did I hear that right? "Come on, you always treat me like I'm made of glass when I'm pregnant and we never get to have any real fun. You're always so gentle with me."

"Ana, I don't want to hurt you or the baby."

"You won't. I can't go over your knee with my bump but you can spank me in other ways."

She looks so eager to try and I can't hide the fact that I'm turned on. I stand and lead her to our bedroom when she stops me.

"No. Not in our bedroom. I want to try somewhere else."

"Ana, our youngest son is upstairs and the only room he knows he can't enter is ours. You want to risk doing this somewhere else where he could come downstairs and see us if he wakes up?"

"Stop over-thinking. I know exactly where I want to go. And after you have checked on our son you can come and find me." Oh she wants to play this game does she? She turns and leaves the room, heading off to God knows where. I smile and head upstairs to see how Ashley is doing.

His room is dark, except for his blue nightlight that he still needs and it's quite cool. Since it normally gets very warm in here I allow him to have the small window open above his big window to let some fresh air enter in the summer. I had it put in after we found out how hot it gets because there was no way I was going to allow him to have the balcony doors or the big windows open. They stay locked at all times. Ashley is curled up on his bed with his duvet kicked off him and I can't help but smile. I don't know where he gets that from as Ana and I both need to have some sort of blanket covering us in bed but our son couldn't care less. I gently pick up his duvet and re-cover him which causes him to shift into a more comfortable position. Luckily he stays asleep.

Since he is settled I head back downstairs to hunt for my wife. I look everywhere I can think of but can't find her anywhere. I even checked our home gym but she wasn't there. The only places I haven't checked are my office, the library and the kids games room. I don't check the games room as I don't think it would be appropriate to fuck my wife on the kids couch in there so I go to the library but I find it empty. Finally, entering my study I see her, laying back in my chair with her feet on my desk, reading glasses halfway down her nose, arms crossed staring at me. It takes me a moment to realise she's wearing the tie I had on earlier and despite her serious looking face, I can tell she's desperately trying not to laugh.

"You took your time, Mr Grey," she states.

"I am sorry. It took me some time to find my way to my office." I sit down in front of my desk as if she owned the place and I was here to interview her. This reminds me of the first time I met her, 20 years ago, when she came to interview me instead of Katherine for the student newspaper.

"Well, you're here now which is the main thing." She takes her feet off my desk and amazingly still hasn't smiled.

"So may I ask what we're doing in here?" I smile and her professional, strict businesswoman act falls apart as she giggles. She quickly recovers it, however.

"Your wife requires some assistance. And it involves this," she holds up a ruler, "and your desk." I walk slowly round to face her and take her chin between my fingers before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on her lips.

"Is she sure?" I'm worried about our baby after our scare earlier this week. I know she asked me to spank her earlier but I thought it was just passing conversation. She just nods and turns, placing her hands on my desk and moving back so her behind is sticking out.

"Yes, sir. She was a very bad girl this week and today." I pick up the ruler that she left on the desk and swat it in my hand.

"Yes she has been a bad girl. And she had her feet on my desk. I think she does deserve a good spanking," I murmur in her ear before moving behind her and lowering her trousers and panties. Once her bottom is exposed I deliver the first blow. It wasn't hard because I don't want to hurt her or the baby but when she asks it for a little harder I smile and comply. After 20 hits she asks for mercy so I turn her and take her over my desk. We climax together and to avoid squashing her, I manage to fall back into my chair, causing her to wince from my sudden movement.

After a few minutes she stands properly and crawls into my lap, wrapping her arms around me and kissing me gently.

"See? Not made of glass. Thank you Mr Grey," she giggles. I laugh with her and hold her tight before getting her re-dressed.

... ... ...

Phoebe POV

Woo hoo! I am so happy right now it's unreal. The concert was epic but going backstage totally made my night. And Ava's. I know Kenny was happy and really excited but being a boy meant he hid it and he hid it really well. I often wonder if he's spent too much time around dad by the way he is able to hide his feelings. When I first met him he couldn't hide anything from me but maybe that's because I didn't know him well enough to know if he was hiding something.

I'm wearing a t-shirt signed by the band and have got a huge poster for my wall with their autographs on it and lots of little goodies to keep as souvenirs of tonight. Not like the hundred photos I took were enough.

The ride home was relaxed and relatively quiet except for Ava's constant talking about tonight. I personally am tired from all my cheering, screaming and singing along and am just looking forward to crawling into bed and sleeping. Kenny wraps his arm around me in the back of the car and I close my eyes, leaning into his side. When I open them again we are at home and Kenny's moving slowly to prevent waking me up. I sit up to let him know it's fine, that I can walk it and dad doesn't have to carry me. Since it's late he and Ava are going to stay the night, but unfortunately Kenny has to leave early tomorrow for work.

I know dad stayed up to wait for me so I tell Ava to go ahead to my room and I'll follow shortly while Taylor shows Kenny to the room where he'll sleep. I knock on dad's door to his office and he allows me to enter. He's sitting at his desk, reading glasses on looking at his computer screen while typing away something important, I'm assuming as he's typing very fast. He looks away from the screen and toward me when I close the door, smiling widely when he sees it's me.

"Hey Cupcake," he greets before glancing at his watch. "Oh it's that time already."

"Are you busy?" I ask, not wanting to interrupt him.

"No, I'm never busy for you or the boys," he replies taking his glasses off and standing from his chair to give me a hug. I wrap my arms around him and I feel safe for the first time in ages. He leads me to the couch where I curl up next to him and he kisses me hair. "So how was the concert?"

"It was awesome, thank you so much for letting me go. I got lots of stuff that the band gave me and I got a t-shirt and a poster. It was the best thing ever!" I am still excited and suddenly I don't feel tired now. Maybe that's because I had a nap in the car. Dad just laughs.

"I'm glad you had a nice time. And I'm glad you're home safe." He kisses my hair again.

"Dad, I had Taylor with me. He would never let anything happen to me." I say seriously. We are still recovering from what happened to me but I know dad still has a very long way to go to get over his unnecessary guilt. It wasn't his fault.

"I know. That's why I trust him and feel more at ease when he's with you."

"Dad, I am not having Taylor as my security guard all the time! Just triple check someone and I'll take them, as long as he's not a douche."

"Actually, it's a she this time." He says casually. Wait. What?

"A she? You found someone already?" I ask shocked. He nods and I'm stunned. I thought I was going to be stuck with Taylor until the end of the summer at least and maybe have someone new for when I go back to school.

"Her name is Amanda Marx. You can meet her tomorrow when she comes in for her induction- you know making sure she knows her way around the house and her duties- or you can meet her next week for you birthday," he suggests.

"I don't mind. I can meet her tomorrow if she has time." Dad nods.

"If you want. Now I think it's late and you should be getting to bed. Don't stay up too late messing around with Ava or I'll make sure you have something to do early in the morning to prevent you sleeping in too late." He teases. I laugh.

"Gee, thanks dad," I smile. He laughs back and I head upstairs to find Ava passed out on my bed. I sigh. I told her not to bring alcohol tonight but does she listen to me? Of course not.

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